Overview
Winsted is a town in Litchfield County, Connecticut, west of the capital city, Hartford. Its affordable cost of living and neighborly communities have made Winsted an attractive option for retirees.
Climate & Geography
Winsted is located in western Connecticut, south of the Massachusetts border. Residents can expect four distinct seasons with an average temperature in the 80s during summer and 30s during winter. Winsted also experiences more rain and snow than the national average.
Winsted is built on flat land and valleys, and is surrounded by nine distinct hills. There are also two rivers that run through the city, the Still River and Mad River.
Recreation, Culture & Entertainment
Residents of Winsted can enjoy historical museums and landmarks such as the American Museum of Tort Law, Soldiers’ Monument and Memorial Park, Winchester Historical Society and the Whiting Mills Museum which centers around Winsted’s beginnings as a mill town.
Those in search of a small town atmosphere with friendly residents will find exactly that in Winsted. There are plenty of local businesses, cafes, and antique shops. The city is also home to a few outdoor adventures including Platt Hill State Park Scenic Reserve, where residents can take a hike, go sightseeing, fishing, and more.
Cost of Living & Taxes
Compared to the rest of the nation, the overall cost of living in Winsted is 10.5 percent lower than the U.S average. This is primarily due to the cost of housing which is well below the national median.
If a person’s gross income is below $75,000, then their Social Security benefits are exempt from taxation. Otherwise, there is a 25 percent tax rate applied to these benefits. Military pensions, however, are untaxed statewide. There are tax breaks available for residents who are 65 and older, including a property tax credit for homeowners who meet certain income criteria. Connecticut has a statewide sales tax rate of 6.35 percent.
Health Care
Connecticut ranks among the top half of states in the U.S in Gallup’s Well Being Index.
Just 20 miles outside Winsted, residents can visit Hartford, which is home to three highly-rated hospitals and medical centers, one of which is a children’s hospital that is nationally ranked by U.S News.